BBC Sport, the BBC’s sports broadcasting arm, has announced a partnership extension with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the governing authority of cricket in England and Wales.
Following the extension, BBC Sport will continue to provide BBC Radio and BBC Sound coverage of all English cricket action.
The new four-year agreement with the ECB extends the current partnership, which continues until 2024, and ensures that all of England’s home Tests, ODIs, and T20Is will continue to be broadcast exclusively on BBC radio.
The agreement assures that the historic Test Match Special, which debuted in 1957 with detailed ball-by-ball commentary, will continue to broadcast beyond its 70th birthday.
BBC Radio and BBC Sound will continue to cover English cricket after the prolongation.
TMS will also cover men’s and women’s domestic matches, with supplementary analysis and news available on the BBC Sport website and live commentary from The Hundred on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds.
Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, remarked, “We are aware of how much listeners appreciate cricket on BBC radio, particularly TMS with its unique blend of expert analysis, vivacious, engaging, and entertaining commentary.
This new agreement ensures TMS will continue its excellent tradition of making cricket accessible to all, which is an integral aspect of the game.
Tony Singh, chief commercial officer of the ECB, remarked, “For many, TMS, BBC Radio, and BBC Sounds will be constant companions during the exhilarating summer of cricket.
In addition to being the only source for live audio commentary of The Ashes, it also provides extensive coverage of men’s county, women’s domestic, and The Hundred cricket.
We are pleased to announce that we have agreed to extend this successful partnership for an additional four years so that audiences can continue to hear live cricket commentary on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds.”